REUNION – Pictured at the annual West New York Fire Department reunion luncheon held recently at DiPalma’s Restaurant in North Bergen are retired firefighter Bill Renner in front, and, left to right, retired captains George Arthur and Alan Ballester, retired Deputy Chief Bobby Hodge, and retired Chief Brion McEldowney.

The City of Union City, Mayor Brian. P. Stack and the Board of Commissioners will host their Annual Halloween Costume Party for children under the age of fourteen on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. at the Jose Marti Freshman Academy, 1800 Summit Ave. in Union City. Admission is free. There will be music, refreshments, give-aways, and prizes.All children under the age of 14 are invited to attend with their parents or guardians.

UC/Weehawken reservoir closer to getting Green Acres funding

Last week the Assembly Environment Committee released legislation that appropriates more than $55 million to Green Acres projects throughout the state. The bill, A3369, specifically designates $3.75 million to projects in Jersey City, Hoboken, Union City, and Weehawken.

“I know how important open space projects are in densely-populated areas like the 33rd district,” said Assemblyman Ruben Ramos (D-Dist. 33rd), who sponsored the legislation. “This appropriation will ensure that municipalities in Hudson County receive essential resources for creating and updating parks and other open spaces.”

The funds for these improvements come from the 2009 Green Acres fund and the Green Acres, Farmland and Historic Preservation, and Blue Acres Bond Act of 1995. In the 33rd Legislative District, funds will be specifically targeted to Skyway Riverfront Park, and Paulus Hook Park in Jersey City; the acquisition of the Union City Reservoir in Union City and Weehawken; Elysian Park in Hoboken; and the development of the Hudson County Recreation Center;

Assembly Bill 3369 received unanimous approval from the Assembly Environment Committee and is currently awaiting consideration by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Union City Chamber Players to hold concert at St. John’s

On Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1516 Palisade Ave., the Union City Chamber Players (UCCP) will perform works for violin and voice by J.S. Bach, a violin-piano sonata by Brahms, and songs by Samuel Barber.

The UCCP was founded in May of this year and is the latest addition to the growing classical music scene in Union City. Founders Bernadette LaFond and Peter Borten are longtime residents of Union City, and they are planning a third concert for this season which will include music of Mozart and Rachmaninoff, among others. The date will be announced.

For more information, email stjohnsuc@yahoo.com or visit stjohns-unioncity.dioceseofnewark.org/St._Johns_Website/Arts_at_St._Johns.html.

UC farmer’s market to run every Sunday

Every Sunday until Nov. 11 there will be a farmer’s market at Troy Towers at 380 Mountain Road in the north parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting. The market is certified by the New Jersey Council of Farmers and Communities and supplied by Iona Hill Farms.

American brewmaster’s family honored in UC

Union City planned to honor the Bermes family with a historic marker on Sat., Oct. 27 at noon at 44th Street and Park Avenue.

Daniel Bermes emigrated to Union Hill (now Union City) in 1848 at the age of 24 from Hessen-Darmstadt to escape the revolutions in Germany. In 1851, he established the brewery which covered 42 acres, bounded by the area between 44th and 45th streets, Park Avenue, and Hudson Avenue.

The plant was an architectural work of art, and was supervised by brew master Frederick Schimper, who was assisted by his brother Carl Schimper. The beer received a gold medal for its superiority. The site included a brewing building, office building, ice houses, refrigeration houses, malt house, artesian well, and stables with 65 horses and 36 delivery wagons.